Stillman College: Historic HBCU in Alabama Empowering Future Leaders

Stillman College, founded in 1876 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a private, historically Black liberal arts institution rooted in a legacy of educational empowerment and community service. Originally established to train African American male ministers, it has since evolved into a coeducational college offering a wide range of academic programs across the arts, sciences, business, and education.

With a student body of 779 as of 2023—predominantly Black and largely in-state—Stillman emphasizes accessibility, awarding financial aid to all enrolled students. It boasts a 105-acre campus, strong student-faculty engagement, vibrant student life, and a growing presence in athletics, recently joining the HBCUAC.

Known for innovation, national recognition, and notable alumni in fields from military to medicine and athletics, Stillman College continues to honor its mission of producing graduates who are intellectually equipped, socially conscious, and prepared for leadership.

Stillman College: A Legacy of Education and Empowerment

Stillman College, a private, historically Black liberal arts college in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, stands as a testament to enduring educational commitment and community upliftment. Established in 1876, the institution has evolved significantly, consistently adapting to the needs of its students and the broader society.

A Rich History

Stillman College’s roots trace back to 1875 when the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States authorized the establishment of a training school for African American male ministers. The first classes were held in the fall of 1876. Chartered as a legal corporation by the State of Alabama in 1895, the institution changed its name from Tuscaloosa Institute to Stillman Institute, honoring its founder, Dr. Charles Allen Stillman, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa.

Key historical milestones include:

• 1922: Stillman Institute became coeducational.
• 1927: A junior college division was added.
• 1937: The Junior College division gained accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
• 1948: The institution was officially renamed Stillman College.
• 1951: The first four-year class graduated.
• 1953: Stillman received accreditation as a four-year college by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
• 1961: Admitted to the United Negro College Fund.
• 1998: Established the Harte Honors College.
• 2002: Received the National Innovation in Technology Award from Apple Computers.
• 2004: Earned its first-ever ranking among top-tier schools by U.S. News & World Report.
• 2019: Received national recognition by Colleges of Distinction and approval for distance education by SACSCOC.
• 2023: Stillman College became the first Historically Black College with a university-based cybersecurity clinic under the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics.

The college has been led by eight presidents since the title changed from principal in 1929, with Dr. Yolanda W. Page currently holding the position since 2023.

Enrollment and Demographics (2023 Data)

Stillman College’s commitment to its student body is reflected in its enrollment figures and diverse population:

• Total Enrollment: 779 students
• Full-Time Enrollment: 660 students (84.7%)
• Part-Time Enrollment: 119 students
• Gender Distribution: 56% Female, 44% Male
• Racial/Ethnic Makeup:
  • Black or African American: 85.9%
  • White: 7.45%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 0.513%
  • Asian: 0.128%
  • Unknown Race: 2.44%
• Geographic Origin: 70% In-State (Alabama), 30% Out-of-State/International
• Freshman Class (Fall 2023): 200 total freshmen, with 89% full-time. The average age of freshmen was 23.

Admissions and Outcomes (2023 Data)

• Applicants: 2,440 (a 36.2% annual growth from 2022)
• Accepted Students: 1,811
• Acceptance Rate: 74.2% (higher than 64.5% in 2022)
• Enrollment Yield: 11% (the percentage of admitted students who enroll)
• Retention Rate (Full-Time Undergraduates): 79% (higher than the 74% average for similar Baccalaureate Colleges)
• Graduation Rate (2023): 41% (48 graduates)
• Degrees Awarded (2023): 95 degrees, with 61.1% awarded to women and 38.9% to men.

Academic Programs

Stillman College offers a range of baccalaureate degrees, fostering a comprehensive liberal arts education. Key academic divisions include Arts and Sciences, Education, and Business.

Majors and Programs include (but are not limited to):

• Art and Art Education
• Biology
• Business Administration
• Chemistry
• Collaborative Education
• Criminal Justice
• Elementary Education
• English
• History
• Human Performance (Kinesiology)
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Journalism
• Mathematics
• Music and Music Education
• Psychology
• Religion
• Theology

Special Programs and Opportunities:

• The Harte Honors College
• Stillman Online
• Biomedical Science (Pre-Medicine) Program
• Pre-Law Program
• Independent Study Program
• Military Science Program (ROTC – Air Force, Army, Navy)
• Stillman College Undergraduate Biomedical Academy
• Internship opportunities
• Study Abroad

The college maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 1:17.

Campus and Facilities

Stillman’s picturesque 105-acre campus in Tuscaloosa boasts 25 buildings amidst stately magnolias. Notable facilities include:

Alexander Batchelor Hall: Houses administrative offices for Academic Affairs, Business, Human Resources, and Contracts and Grants.

Stinson Math and Science Building: Features a small auditorium and offices for the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Information Technology.

Hay College Center: The hub of student social life, with dining facilities, student organization offices, computer labs, and a post office. Also houses Admissions, Financial Aid, Career Services, and Residential Life offices.

Sheppard Library: Home to approximately 118,000 volumes, media areas, and archives.

Residence Halls: Includes Wynn Hall (suite style for males), Knox Hall (traditional for males), Roulhac Hall (traditional for females), and Hay Hall (traditional for males). All furnished rooms are designed for two students and are equipped with cable services. Freshmen are generally required to live on campus.

Wynn Hall: Features multi-media and seminar rooms, electronic classrooms, and various laboratories for language, reading, speech, writing, and computer studies.

Facilities Management: A dedicated building for campus operations.

Financial Aid and Costs (2023 Data)

Stillman College strives to make education accessible, with a significant percentage of students receiving financial aid:

• Typical Total Cost for On-Campus Students: $26,877 (includes tuition, fees, room, board, textbooks, and other expenses).
• Students Receiving Any Aid: 100%
• Students Receiving Any Grant Money: 100%
• Average Grant Award: $7,618
• Students Receiving Institutional Grants: 87%
• Average Institutional Grant: $3,874
• Students with Any Loans: 78% (higher than the private non-profit average)
• Average Federal Loan: $8,184
• Average Private Loan: $7,282

Estimated Net Price by Family Income:

• $0 – $30,000: $17,075
• $30,001 – $48,000: $18,857
• $48,001 – $75,000: $15,257
• $75,001 – $110,000: $18,007
• $110,000 and up: $17,150

Athletics

The Stillman Tigers compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). As of July 1, 2024, Stillman College Athletics officially joined the newly named Historically Black Colleges & Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC), transitioning from the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC). During their time in the SSAC, Stillman qualified for 10 national tournaments across various sports.

Stillman College also has an Athletics Hall of Fame, established in 2022, which recognizes outstanding athletes and coaches. Notable individual athletic achievements include:

• Lester Dent (Men’s Basketball): An All-American in 1973, he scored 1,762 points in three seasons and led NAIA District 27 in scoring in 1974-75.
• Glenda Gilcud (Women’s Basketball/Cross Country): A four-sport athlete, she led NCAA Division III in scoring in 1996-97 (33.4 ppg) and 1997-98 (30.2 ppg), holding Stillman’s career, single-season, and single-game scoring records.
• Nicole Chester (Women’s Track & Field): Stillman’s first two-time NCAA All-American, placing fourth nationally in discus throw in 1992 and 1993.

Notable Alumni

Stillman College has produced a distinguished roster of alumni across various fields, including:

• Lt. General Willie Williams: Third African-American Marine to achieve the rank of lieutenant general, and former chief of the Marine Corps staff.
• Dr. Keisha Lowther: Chief Medical Officer of Whatley Health Services.
• Joe Hampton: (Further details not available in the provided snippets, but listed as notable).
• Trudier Harris: Renowned scholar and literary critic.
• Michael Figures: Prominent attorney and politician.
• Jeff Henderson: Track & Field athlete and Olympian.
• Sammie Lee Hill: Former NFL player.
• Junior Galette: Former NFL player.
• Teddy Keaton: College football coach.
• Brian Witherspoon: Former NFL player.

Stillman College continues to uphold its mission of providing a quality education grounded in a rich historical context, preparing its students for successful careers and meaningful lives.

FAQs about Stillman College

What is Stillman College known for?
Stillman College is known for being a historically Black liberal arts college with a strong commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement. It has a rich history dating back to 1876 and offers a wide range of undergraduate programs.

Where is Stillman College located?
Stillman College is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Is Stillman College a historically Black college or university (HBCU)?
Yes, Stillman College is a historically Black college and university (HBCU).

When was Stillman College founded?
Stillman College was founded in 1876, with origins dating back to 1875.

What type of institution is Stillman College?
It is a private, coeducational liberal arts college.

How large is the student body at Stillman College?
As of 2023, Stillman College has a total enrollment of 779 students.

What is the gender distribution at Stillman College?
Approximately 56% of students are female and 44% are male.

What percentage of students are African American?
About 85.9% of the student population identifies as Black or African American.

Does Stillman College accept out-of-state or international students?
Yes, around 30% of the student body comes from out-of-state or international backgrounds.

What is the acceptance rate at Stillman College?
The acceptance rate in 2023 was 74.2%.

What is the graduation rate at Stillman College?
The graduation rate in 2023 was 41%.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Stillman College?
The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1.

What academic programs are offered at Stillman College?
Stillman offers a variety of programs in arts and sciences, business, education, criminal justice, psychology, religion, and more.

Are there any honors or specialized programs at Stillman College?
Yes, including the Harte Honors College, Pre-Law, Pre-Medical, ROTC, and Stillman Online.

Does Stillman College offer online classes?
Yes, through its Stillman Online platform.

Is financial aid available at Stillman College?
Yes, 100% of students receive some form of financial aid.

What is the average grant aid awarded?
The average grant award is approximately $7,618.

What are the estimated costs to attend Stillman College?
The total cost for on-campus students is about $26,877 annually.

What are the most popular majors at Stillman College?
Popular majors include Business Administration, Biology, Education, Psychology, and Criminal Justice.

Does Stillman College have athletics programs?
Yes, Stillman competes in NAIA athletics as a member of the HBCUAC, with teams known as the Stillman Tigers.

What sports are offered at Stillman College?
Stillman offers sports such as basketball, track and field, and cross country, among others.

Has Stillman College achieved any recent milestones in athletics?
Yes, the college transitioned to the HBCUAC in 2024 and has qualified for 10 national tournaments in recent years.

Are there on-campus housing options at Stillman College?
Yes, Stillman offers several residence halls, including Wynn, Knox, Roulhac, and Hay Halls.

Are freshmen required to live on campus?
Generally, yes—freshmen are required to live on campus.

What are some key campus facilities?
Notable facilities include Sheppard Library, Hay College Center, Wynn Hall, and the Stinson Math and Science Building.

Does Stillman College have any notable alumni?
Yes, including Lt. Gen. Willie Williams, Trudier Harris, Jeff Henderson, and several former NFL players.

Who is the current president of Stillman College?
Dr. Yolanda W. Page, appointed in 2023.

What is the historical significance of Stillman College?
Originally founded to train African American ministers, Stillman College has played a crucial role in advancing education and civil rights in Alabama and beyond.

Does Stillman College offer study abroad opportunities?
Yes, study abroad opportunities are available to students.

What is the average age of freshmen at Stillman College?
As of Fall 2023, the average age of freshmen was 23.

Does Stillman College offer military science programs?
Yes, Stillman offers ROTC programs for the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Is Stillman College accredited?
Yes, it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Has Stillman received any national recognition?
Yes, it has been recognized by Colleges of Distinction and earned technology innovation awards from Apple.

Does Stillman College have a cybersecurity program?
Yes, in 2023, Stillman became the first HBCU with a university-based cybersecurity clinic under the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics.

Are internships and independent study options available?
Yes, Stillman provides internship and independent study opportunities across various disciplines.